Diary of John Blair; Wm. and Mary Qrtly., Vol. 7, No. 3, 1899
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Diary of John Blair
Lyon G. Tyler
William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, Vol. 7, No. 3.
(Jan., 1899), pp. 133-153.
WILLIAM AND MARY COLLEGE
QUARTERLY HISTORICAL MAGAZINE
VOL. VII. JANUARY, 1899. NO. 3.
DIARY OF JOHN BLAIR.
Copied from an almanac for 1751, preserved in Virginia Historical Society.
Verified by Lyon G. Tyler.
[This little diary is the work of a man who filled the highest offices
in his day. He was a councilor at this time, and in the department of
Governor Dinwiddie, became, as president of the council, acting governor
from January, 1757, to June 7, 1758. The Blair pedigree in QUARTERLY, Vol.
V., p. 279, may be recast and republished as follows:
1, ------Blair, of Scotland, had issue at least two sons, viz: 2,
James(1) Blair (born 1655, died April 18, 1743.) A. M. of University of
Edinburgh in 1673; commissary to Bishop of London, President of William
and Mary (1693-1743). He married Sarah Harrison (born 1670) on June 2,
1687 (tombstone at Jamestown). No issue. 3, Archibald(2) Blair, M.D.,
at University of Edinburgh in 1685. He married three times. By his first
wife, whose name is unknown, he had issue: 4, John(3) Blair, author of the
above diary, born in 1687, died November 5, 1771. By second wife, Sarah
(Archer?), widow of Bartholomew Fowler, Attorney General, whom he married
in 1700-1703, he had at least two daughters, viz.: 5, Elizabeth (born,
say, 1710(?) died April 28, 1775), married August 1, 1728; First. Col.
John Bolling, Jr., born 1700, died 1757; and secondly, in 1760-'62, Col.
Richard Bland, of Jordans. 6, Harrison (probably named Sarah Harrison,
after her aunt, Mrs. Sarah Harrison Blair, wife of the Commissary, born,
say, 1715, died November 1, 1755); she married December 11, 1745, Dr.
George Gilmer (his second wife). Dr. Archibald Blair's third wife was
Mary Wilson, daughter of Co. Wm. Wilson, whom he married about 1720, widow
of William Roscow, and of Col. Miles Cary.
I think this diary proves that James Blair, who is put down as a son
of Dr. Archibald Blair (QUARTERLY, Vol. V, p. 280), was not in fact such.
The references to him in this diary are not such as to suggest the close
relationship of a brother. He appears in one place to be called "cousin".
He may have been a nephew (frequently called cousin), and in this case
Archibald Blair, commissioned as Major of the York militia, September 6,
1728, was perhaps his father, and son of Dr. Archibald Blair. The Gazette
for February 16, 1769, refers doubtless to the same James Blair in the
following news item: "This day fortnight as some of Mr. James Blair's
children were playing round a fire they had made near the river's bank at
his plantation in Prince George county, his daughter, a girl about eleven
years, happening to go too near it,
Page 134.
her clothes unfortunately caught the flame, by which, before any assistance
could be given her, she was so much burned as to expire the next morning."
This James Blair (died about 1773) had three children at least: 1,
Daughter burned; 2, Archibald, clerk of the council, born in Williamsburg
in 1753, and died in Richmond in 1824, aged 71; 3, Hannah, born 1761, died
(single) in Richmond in 1831. There was also a "John Blair, Jr., merchant",
living in Williamsburg, who is named in the will of Dr. George Gilmer, and
other records. He was probably a brother of the above James Blair.
4, Hon. John Blair, son of Dr. Archibald Blair (born 1687, died Novem-
ber 5, 1771), was a member of the Virginia Council during the period of
this diary. He married Mary Monro (born January 16, 1708), daughter of
Rev. John and Christian Monro, and had issue: 1, Christian (1727-1784),
married in 1744 Armistead Burwell; 2, Mary (1728-'29, April 1, 1730); 3,
John Blair, Judge of the United States Supreme Court (1731-1800); 4, Mary
(Mrs. Col. George Braxton), born September 16, 1734; 5, Sarah Archer
(died February 19, 1735-6, an infant); 6, Sarah (1738-1804), married Col.
Wilson Miles Cary; 7, Dr. James (1741-1772), who married Kitty Eustace, of
New York, who married secondly, J. J. Cuthbert; 8, Archibald (b. March 7,
1744-'45), died issueless; 9, Anne (born May 4, 1746), married in 1779
Col. John Banister; 10, Elizabeth, married in 1769 Admiral Samuel Thompson,
of the Royal Navy. Of these Judge John Blair married Jean ------, and had
four daughters; Nelly, born March 25, 1759; died at 14; Mary, second wife
of Robert Andrews; Jane, first wife of Rev. James Henderson; and Christian,
b. Dec. 24, 1765. None of them left surviving issue.
The members of the council during the time of this diary were Lewis
Burwell, President and acting Governor; William Fairfax, John Blair,
William Nelson, William Dawson, D.D., John Lewis, Thomas Nelson, Philip
Grymes, Peter Randolph, Richard Corbin, Philip Ludwell, and William
Beverley.]
January, 1751.
1. fine morn, haizy p.m. Snowd in Nh, had compy.
2. Snowy morn. Cold day, at Doctr Gilmers(1).
3. Clear & cold, writt to Presidt abt Qua. Comty came home.
4. Do writt to Mr. Travis(3) & Mecklin & sent Exps.
5. Fine clear & moderate thaw, recd ye new Tq rt Wart.
6. Cloudy & rainy all day, wch card away ye snow. Mr. Comy(4) preached.
7. Clear morn & night but cloudy Snowy day, much busins in Husts.
________________________________________________________________________
(1) Dr. George Gilmer, of Williamsburg, father of Dr. George Gilmer, of
Pen Parke, Albemarle conty, which last was colleague of Mr. Jefferson, and
grandfather of Thomas W. Gilmer, Tyler's Secretary of the Navy.
(2) The President at this time was Lewis Burwell, successor of Thomas
Lee, who died November 14, 1750.
(3) Col. Edward Champion Travis, of Jamestown.
(4) The commissary was Rev. William Dawson, D.D., President of the College.
Page 135.
8. Fine clear day, dined at Col. Burwells & staid all night & danced and
drew 14th cake. Col. Cartr Burwell - Ring.
9. Fine day, pd Rights & Patt fee in Secys office.
10. Fine day. Writt to Col. Hunter by Mr. Prentiss(1) Cart.
11. A fine warm day, had a dance & cake at Mr. Cock's.
12. Cloudy & drisly, heard at Dr Hays(2) of poor Wm Simmons's fate to dye
wth MrGuire next.
13. a sad snowy day. Mr. Commissy preachd. Prisonrs there.
14. a dull & drisly day for sale of J. B.s Negroes.
15. a cloudy day. Mrs. A. Blair at Mrs. Patisons.
16. a clear day. Mrs. Blair 43 to-day.
17. Clear & very warm, had compy. r. J.R. play'd on his violin & Dr.
Hackerston on his G flute.
18. a fine day, communicat. Col. Bs lettr to Pelham.(3)
19. Charmg day. Do my lettr to L---p to W----r.
20. fine day. Miss Sally sore throt & hindd fr church. Mr. B. askt my
vote for James Town.
21. Sun soon gone, cloudy & rainy, very high wd, & raining in ye Nt.
22. Clear fine morn, but a windy day.
23. Clear cold & windy. Writ to J. P. P George.
24. The same weather. Writ to Do P Mr. Hubard.
25. Still the same but not so windy.
26. Clear but not cold. had letr P Geo. & gave 3 Bitts.
27. a very rainy day. no church p.m. few in morn.
28. broken clouds & sunshine. Old Peter died.
29. a Charmg suny day & warm. Supd wth Commissr.
30. a fine day, & yet but few at church to-day.
31. a Do but cloudy. at Mr. Prentis's by invitatn.
February.
1. a good day. Had Company, Mr. Prentis &c.
2. a good candlmrs day. Had Do from ye College.
3. a fine morn but cloudy & windy p.m. ye --------.
4. a Clear morn then Cloudy then clear & cool.
5. a fine day, but preety Cool Even.
6. a fine day. recd a lettr frm Mr. Peachey.
_________________________________________________________________________
(1) William Prentis, father of Judge Joseph Prentis, and partner of
John Blair and Wilson Cary in merchandising.
(2) Dr. Peter Hay, an eminent physician. Vol. VII., p. 53.
(3) Peter Pelham, organist of Bruton Church, in Williamsburg.
Page 136.
7. a Do but windy. dined at Col. Burwells had fine Greens that were
plntd abt 1st Sepr.
8. a Do Colo Bolling here & Jas Blair from York.
9. a charmg day. Pd Mr. Everard(1) for Secr L11 1s 5d of wch 2d. Loons
had of Plamer wo but L8 10s 9d.
10. Cloudy & Cold. Spent ye eveng at Mr. Powers.
11. a very rainy day. writt to ye Prest wth Col. Pattons Letters.
12. a fine clear day. Gate agn carried by 9 to 4 in Vestry.
13. a Do Gave Palmer(2) Terrys Bonds and papers abt L90.
14. Cloudy & cold p.m. at Mrs. Derings outcry put on new Belt to day, wch
satt well.
15. a very rainy day. Matt run off this morning.
16. Clearing up & warm. Some of Mr. Rands goods found.
17. Cloudy again. Mr. Comissy preachd twice.
18. a very rainy day till p.m. no court at york.
19. a fine warm sunny day for ye cock fight.
20. a Do sent & found my Tombstone(3) on Shoar.
21. Cloudy & rainy Shewd Mr. Muir ye Govrs house.
22. fair. Matt. brot home. Writt to Col. Lews again. Mr. Burwell saw
Mrs. Goosley at Sandy Point, whither she had lately gone to be cook. vizt.
she went 13th.
23. Do Ned order'd by Mr. attoy to be taken up.
24. a fine day, ang grt number of communicants.
25. a Do Writt to Blagrave by Ben, also to Lt. Terry & to Henry Gilbert.
26. a cloudy rainy day, talk'd to Mrs. Webb abt Matt.
27. a cloudy day. Spoke wth atto abt Matt & about Jackson, & gave names
of Evidences agt him.
28. Cloudy. Writt to Mr. Riddick & Mr. Watson.
March.
1. a fine fair day. Balconies taken down. Col. Ludwell(4) kept me up
till past 12. Saw them at work on the mill wch was begun a day or two
before.
2. a Do Sent my Letter to Mrs. Watson to ferry.
3. a cloudy day. A Bristw man arivd Mr. Prestn preachd.
________________________________________________________________________
(1) Thomas Everard, clerk of the General Court.
(2) John Palmer, a lawyer and bursar of the college, married Elizabeth
Low Tyler, aunt of Governor John Tyler.
(3) Tombstone of Dr. James Blair, now in fragments at Jamestown.
(4) Col. Philip Ludwell, of Green Spring, member of the Council.
Page 137.
4. Cloudy & cool. Mrs. Bennet cast in L5 to Coulthard. Archie began
to be wean'd to-day.
5. Snow'd last night, but thaw'd much to-day.
6. fine sunny day. sent Listr to Matt. some spots of snow.
7. a Do attended Matt's Trial at York.
8. a Do after Consults gave a wart agt Lyon.
9. Cloudy, some rain. Consultd Mr. Atto abt Lyon.
10. Rainy. Col. Custis(1) dined with us.
11. Fair. J.C. Court. I bot 5000 lb Tob. there.
12. Fair. Writt to ye President abt a Prohibn.
13. Cloudy p.m. Messengr retd from Col. Randolph.
14. Cloudy p.m. Sent to ye Prest abt Corn. No ansr.
15. Do some sun, warm & Thunder at nt had a Vestry.
16. Clear & warm, had a beef frm Chicy yesterday the man surpd at Spint,
Garden & Pictures.
17. Do had Acct of ye Stone broke. 5 vistd. Matt. sick.
18. fair but windy at Green Spring. We gather'd oranges.
19. fine day. Col. Cary being here we settled ye Dividds at Store. Jno
Fox's widdow here to settle bus -- disappointd.
20. a fair day. Col. Cary dind here had asparags spoke to Mr. With(2)
to defend me, attachd Mrs. Bennet for Rent.
21. a Do spoke to Stone Cutters, & abt Corn at Mrs. Cole's, Chas C.
22. a Do calld to Council ye 28th saw L. Jackn(3) for 1st time.
23. a Do Spoke to Wheatly & Scot abt Govr L. Burwl. came home.
24. a Do Jno Blair(4) went up: Matt. hardy: saw Amson's(5) Gardns &c.
25. a Do but haisy. Settled accon &c. Burnt Rights.
26. haisy & very warm. Mrs. Dimon made her exit.
27. a sudn shower at York. Found Col. Lewis(6) very ill this eveng.
28. Rainy morng. Col. Lewis better, had a Council & went to Col. N.
__________________________________________________________________________
(1) This was Col. Daniel Parke Custis.
(2) George Wythe, the great lawyer and patriot.
(3) Low Jackson, of Nansemond, silversmith, was a counterfeiter of
doubleloons.
(4) John Blair, Jr., merchant, and cousin of Hon. John Blair. He is
named as executor in the will of Dr. George gilmer in 1758.
(5) Dr. Johm Amson, of Williamsburg.
(6) col. John Lewis, of "Warner Hall", in Gloucester county.
Page 138.
29. Charmg day. Dined at Mr. Nelson's & came home in ye eveng.
30. clear, blusterg & cool. Enqrd for Hands brot for Sec. offcs.
31. clear & cool. Mrs Blair recd Lettr from Matt.
April.
1. Clear & cool N.Ws. Mrs Blair sett off before 7 this aftrnoon. I
laid a founds Brick at Capitol(1).
2. Do but warmr. p.m. recd 2 Lettrs fr Mr. Lyde(2).
3. Cloudy, yn sun and very hot. Mr. Comry approvd of charges.
4. Some rain, cold, Ely wd. Mr. Blair retd, saw Jno at N. Castle.
5. Cloudy and rain p.m. Mrs. Alcraft here yestrday owes L50.
6. fair day. Blagrave dead on ye 4th. Poor widow.
7. fair day. Miss Sally pleased me wth a request.
8. Ditto & very hott that our windows were sett open. Poor Matt & Simon
suffrd to-day in drink.
9. Clear & warm then cloudy & cool. dispatd Boson.
10. Clear morn, hard rain at Nt. John came home.
11. Clear & cool. Invitd to dine below this Court.
12. Clear then cloudy. Writt to Mrs. M. & Col. B. Stark.
13. Cloudy & warm, then a smrt Rain. many motions to-day.
14. Charmg day but warm. Mr. Jas Blair came to Town.
15. very warm. Poor Jackson seperatd. Col. Bolling come.
16. rainy. 24 Grd Jurymen sworn. Court crowded. Jackson convicted of
coining betwn 6 and 7 in Eveng.
17. clear & cool. writ to Mrs. Blair by Col. Bolling.
18. Do & very cool. took pains for a Commn fr. Fred's Shr.
19. Rainy. A notable motion for a Prohibition to the Court of Admiralty
at Col. Custis.
20. fair and cool, Jacksons appl admittd by 3 to 2.
21. Do. Mr. Cam(3) preached 2 ext. Sermons here.
22. Rainy day. Col. C. Carter refusd in court to serve on Jury. recd
lettrs fr. Mrs. Blair, Col. Bollg, & Col. Kenn wth Wheat.
23. fair & cool. Counl dind wth atto, had a meetg of Cape Compy.
____________________________________________________________________________
(1) The capitol had been burned in 1748, and it was re-erected on the
old foundations, which were in the shape of an H. The capitol was burned
again in 1832.
(2) This Mr. Lyde was probably a son of Major Cornelius Lyde, who died
at his home in King William county, January 20, 1737. This last was son
of Lionel Lyde, "an eminent merchant in Brostol." - Virginia Gazette,
January 27, 1737.
(3) John Camm, afterwards President of the College.
Page 139.
24. Ditto. A notable Plea agt York Court.
25. Do. I was admitd a Govr of ye College a B. meeting.
26. Cloudy. Writt & sent Cash P Mrs. Cary.
27. Do & rainy eveng. Talk of Jacksons new Trial.
28. Do & very cold. Coach went to York wth Mrs. Waters.
29. Clear very cold. Pyrates can't be tried wthout ye Presidt I hear
ye Indns have killed 2 famys of ours.
30. Warmer. Mary Bridges recovd L200.
May.
1. Warmer. Gave Wart to Bird wth Lr to Govr Jnoston.
2. Do. Bird sett off wth the Pirates to Carolina.
3. Do. A Verdt in my favr was unhaply lost.
4. Rainy Eveng. Writ by Dr. Gilmer & Mr. Burwell.
5. Rainy. Recd Letters from Mrs. Blair, &c.
6. fair & cool. Pronounced Sentce agt Jackson & Seal; & 3 more were
burnt in hand.
7. Do. had a NB. argumet on the Statute of Maintes.
8. Do. writt by Mr. Nichos(1) & sent Mr. Hood's orders.
9. Warm. Josa broke Jail last night.
10. Rain & Thundr last nt. Cloudy. Pompey complains that Lestr sent 1/2
Bar. of Corn ye 8 to his Quartr.
11. Warm walking to Grays, viewd ye place for Govrs house.
12. Hot. Heard Mr. Mossom(2) with pleasure.
13. Very hot in travelg home, but all safe.
14. Very cold p.m. Thos Holt called.
15. warmer. Visited at Col. Jones's, gog away.
16. moderate. Negroe Ship arrivd(3). Cousn Cary & Drs here.
17. Warm. Ships fro. Londn. Mr. Rule here to-day.
18. Very hot. Dind wth Comy. Mrs. Blr retd & recd Lr fr. Lt. G.
19. Very hot. L. Jackson at Church, Qu, if in Irons.
20. a little drizzle. ordd Shirt to Prisonr. begg my report.
21. a cool day, wind Eastly at burng ye kiln. Rain in Hanr.
22. a Do. Said news to-day of the Prince & Mrs. Staunton(4).
_________________________________________________________________________
(1) Robert Carter Nicholas.
(2) Rev. David Mossom, of St. Peters, New Kent, the minister who
married Washington.
(3) "Last night arrived in York River the Tryal, Capt. Abraham Saunders,
from Angola, with near 400 slaves consigned to Messrs. [Philip] Rootes
and [Humphrey] Hill. 'Tis said she has buried very few, and that they are
all exceedingly healthy." - Virginia Gazette, May 16, 1751.
(4) In the Virginia Gazette for May 24, 1751, is published "extract of a
Page 140.
23. a moderate rain to-day. Mrs. Blair at Col. Burwell(1).
24. Cloudy morn, heavy rain & Thundr, afternoon Mr. Williams wth me abt
Foxes Crop.
25. a heavy rain p.m. my mildam in danger.
26. a moderate day. Mrs. Burwell d'd of a Daughter yestrday. My mills
escapd thank God.
27. a Do. Writ to Mr. Nelson & inclosed my Report.
28. a Do. Col. Fairfax(2) came to town wth Mr. Martin(3). Mr. Waller(4)
made a kind mention of Mr. Burwell.
29. a Do. Councelrs at Church. Mr. Dawson preachd.
30. a Do. Col. F--x &c dind here, visited Palace & Capitol. Mr. Martin,
Mr. Withers & Mr. Wood(5) wth him.
31. a Do. Colo Fairfax left us, not to be here at O.T.
June.
1. a fair day Mrs. Berkly died at Col. Burwells.
2. a Do a Letr brot here for ye Presidt wth pr for Cancer.
3. a Do Sharpr condemned. Four Runaways Judged. a sad Story of a Negroe
drownd & his head split In.
4. a cool day. had a sad Story of ye death of Mary Jackson.
5. a Do Began a charge to the Grand Jury.
6. a Do Gave a Proclamn to be printd to prorogue the assembly to the
last Thursday in Octobr.
7. Rain'd a little. Cole brot in his acct L8 10 6.
8. hard Wind & rain at Green Spring read Sign mant.
9. a cold day, ord fires: Mr. Menzies(6) prd.
__________________________________________________________________________
Letter from London to a gentleman in Williamsburg, dated March 23. "I am
sorry I have so melancholy a Piece of News to transmit to you as the death
of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who died on Wednesday night last
after a short illness. His Majesty is under great concern for the loss;
and truly mournful will be the General mourning, except among the enemies of
our happy Constitution." By a letter from London we are informed of the
Death of Mrs. Anne Staunton, sister to Lady Gooch, who died on the 24th of
March, much regretted by all her acquaintances."
(1) Col. Carter Burwell, of "Carter's Grove," six miles from town. The
old brick house is still standing.
(2) "The Hon. William Farifax is arrived int he Hatly." - Virginia
Gazette, May 24, 1751. He was cousin and agent of Lord Thomas Fairfax.
(3) Thomas Bryan Martin, nephew of Lord Fairfax.
(4) Benjamin Waller, Esq., an eminent lawyer.
(5) James Wood, surveyor, who laid out the city of Winchester, in
Frederick county.
(6) Rev. Adam Menzies.
Page 141.
10. cool. busy writing to Engd & wth Sher. J. City.
11. cool. busy wth the Court. Guns fired.
12. Do consulted abt ye Govrs House and I am desired to write to Presidt.
13. Warm - very busy. Col. Custis & Foster here.
14. Do writ to Mr. Nelson(1) & finishd to Presidt.
15. Do Sent Express to York & Glor, who retd with 4 Letters from the
President.
16. Do Writt another to the Presidt.
17. Do rain & Thundr. Bird went off.
18. Do but cool Eveng my Cart went to Jas Town.
19. pleasant day. but coud not go to Jas Town.
20. Do went to Jams Town, Mrs. Yates, & Green Spring(2), had 1500
Bricks 20 Bushls Lime & 7 lbs Lead.
21. Warm & dry - Talkt wth Dr. Dixon abt Young.
22. Do very dry. Mr. Atto gone to ye wed--g.
23. Do we went into mourng for ye Prince.
24. Do they raised ye first Window on Capl Wall.
25. Do Jno Burwell sick. Suppd with Mr. Rector.
26. a good rain in Eneng. Setlled NKs rent Roll.
27. fine day. Bird retd p.m., & I writ atn to Prt.(3)
28. Do Birds boy left ye Trunks at Presidts.
29. a Rainy day, so missed reapg our Wheat.
30. Still rainy. saw C. Jacks & Js. Nichs at Holts.
July.
1 hot day. reapd all. Carter's License denied. Mr. J. R(4) got an
auge since mard. Speaker signd License.
2. Do hard rain & thunr at Nt Got Barl Molass home.
____________________________________________________________________________
(1) William Nelson, Esq., of Yorktown. His brother, Thomas, was Secretary
of State.
(2) Green Spring, formerly the residence of Sir William Berkley, is about
six miles from Williamsburg. The main building appears to have had about
ten rooms. Its ruins still stand.
(3) "The Honourable Lewis Burwell, Esq., President of this Colony, is
returned from the medicinal springs on the frontiers, where he has been
some time for the recovery of his health, and we hear he has received much
benefit by the waters. He is now at his seat in Gloucester county." -
Va. Gazette, June 27, 1751. The spings were the Warm Sulphur Springs, in
Berkeley county, and the Burwell place was "Fairfield" on Carter's creek,
in Gloucester.
(4) John Randolph, Esq., the brother of Peyton Randolph, the Attorney-
general, married Ariana Jenings, daughter of Edmund Jenings, Esq. He was
father of Edmund Randolph, of the Revolution.
Page 142.
3. Hard rain in Evg & Nt Mr. Dinwiddie's coming confirmd.
4. fair. Mr Presidt at home yet. Gatherd our Pears.
5. Do Visited at Mr. Attos Mr. Grymes(1) and lady there too.
6. Rainy & cloudy. Jno Blair &c., at Taskenask.
7. Do morn. Sun p.m. Mrs. Bride, Mrs. Brymes, Mrs. Burwell, Mrs.
Atto &c. visited Mrs. Blair who could not go to church.
8. fair day. drew a Note on Prents L15 13s 4d for Tob.
9. a little rain p.m. First course of Mr. B's House laid.
10. fair day. Fine Entertt of music at Brafferts.(2)
11. Do read Mr. Bacons Papers sent me now.
12. Do Writ to him my approbn of it, & shewd it Mr. Comissy next day,
who approvd it & desird he mit give it.
13. Do at the Comry ye Evg In pleast Compy Col. Bollg here.
14. Do & hot. Mr. Bacon preachd on My Yoke is Easie, & p.m. on, There
is a Time for all purposes.
15. Do Do Mr. Preston(3) supd here, very agreeable.
16. Do Mr. Bacon &c dind here, we had fine musick.
17. Do he dind wth Dr. Gilmr. Fine Violn Mr. Pettit danced fine.
18. Do My Barber wants Crt & my miller has 9 Barls.
19. Do Mr. King a good Benefacr to Mr. Bacon's School(4).
___________________________________________________________________________
(1) Hon. Philip Grymes, of Brandon, in Middlesex, on the Rappahanock
river, member of the council.
(2) Brafferton building at the college where the Indian school was taught.
(3) William Preston (who married Mary Tyler, aunt of Gov. John Tyler)
Professor of Moral Philosophy in the College.
(4) The Mr. Bacon referred to was Rev. Thomas Bacon, rector of Saint
Peter's Church, Talbot county, Maryland, who collected the laws of that
province. He originated a scheme for erecting a charity working school in
Talbot county. The Gazette (July 25, 1751) states that gentlemen and ladies
in England, Maryland, and Virginia had contributed to the scheme. Mr. Bacon
preached a charity sermon, which he had published, and sold for one shilling
a copy, for the aid of the fund. The Virginia Gazette for October 24, 1751,
has the following:
Page 142 (Continued)
"WILLIAMSBURG, October 24, 1751. The Trustees and Managers for the
Charity Working School not setting up in Talbot county, Maryland, having re-
ceived the following contributions to the said pious design by the hands of
the Rev. Mr. Bacon, from the several under-named Gentlemen and Ladies in
this Colony, do hereby desire the worthy Benefactors to accept their
sincerest thanks for the same:
Peyton Randolph, his Majesty's Attorney-General for . . . . . . . 2 Guineas.
The Rev. Richard Graham, Professor of Mathematics in Wil-
liam & Mary College, at Williamsburg, for . . . . . . . . . . 1 Pistole.
The Rev. Mr. William Preston, Professor of Moral Philosophy in
ditto, for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 pistole.
Page 143.
20. Do Settld wth Sher. Js. City visitd Comy abt gog to his church.
21. Do very dusty. Visitd my Uncle's Tomb & dind at Grn Spring.
22. Fine rain this morng. Mr. Bacon havg pred twice yesterdy took his
leave of us this day wth my thanks & god wishes.
23. fair & cool. Mr. Dawson shewd me ye Presidents Lettr.
24. Do writ to Presidt found Burwls house too smal.
25. Rainy morng. They got to Ferry betn Rain.
26. fair. Mr. Bolling here. Bob sail'd yestrday wth Wilkie.
27. Do waitd on Comy & writ to Mr. Nelson abt council.
28. Do had Mr. Nelson's answr & writ to Presidt P Exprs.
29. Rain last Nt sent off the Exprs & had answer.
_________________________________________________________________________
The Hon. & Rev. William Dawson, D. D., President of the Col-
lege, for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L5 sterling
The Hon. John Blair, Esq., Auditor-General of Virginia for . . . 5 Guineas.
Ditto for his annual subscription of 2 Buineas, of which received
for the past year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Guineas.
The Rev. Mr. Thomas Dawson, Rector of Wmsburg, for . . . . . . 3L 12s.
A Gentleman desiring to be unknown for . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Doubloon.
A Lady desiring to be unknown, for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Pistole.
Miss Priscilla Bassett, for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Pistole.
"The two last received by the hands of Mr. Thomas Dawson.
Dr. George Gilmer, for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pistoles.
A Gentleman desiring to be uknown, for . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Guinea.
Walter King, Esq., for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Doubloons
The Hon. Thomas Nelson, Esq., Secretary, for . . . . . . . . . . 1 Doubloon
The Rev. Mr. John Camm, Rector of York-Hampton, for . . . . . . 1 Pistole.
Warner Lewis, Esq., for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Doubloon
A Gentleman desiring to be unknown, for . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Guinea.
The Hon. John Lewis, Esq., for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Doubloon
The Hon. William Nelson, Esq., for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Pistoles.
The Rev. Mr. William Yates, Rector of Abington, in Gloucester
County, for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Doubloon
The Rev. Mr. John Fox, Rector of Ware, in Gloucester county,
for, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Doubloon
Ralph Wormeley, Esq., for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Doubloon
Peter Robinson, Esq., for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pistoles
Coll Francis Willis, for his annuay Subscrition of 3 pistoles, of
which he has paid for the past year . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Pistoles
Mrs. Willis, for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Doubloon
Mr. Mordecai Booth, for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pistoles
who is also a subscriber of 1 guinea per year.
Mr. John Norton, for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Guineas.
"N. B. The said school is to be opened on the first day of December
next with six boys ina small house prepared for their Reception, and will
be increased as soon as a proper Building can be erected, the Plan of which
is now under consideration of the Trustees."
Page 144.
30. Do communicatd ye answr & prepard for ye Council.
31. Do breakfastd wth ye Secry & Bror Lodged wth Col. Lud.
August.
1. Fair - writ at Col Lewis's to ye Pres: but not sent then.
2. Do - Communicated the whole to Mr. Grymes & desired him to speak to
the Mr. Nelsons.
3. Do Communicatd my Letr fr Col Lews's to Col Ludwell.
4. Do - Col Patton(1) come. writ to the Presidt by him.
5. Rain - ordd Tents. King's Negroes sell well. of 50 Barls Corn from
Mr. Hood I had 35.
6. Fair - Col Patton says ye Presidt will be here 8 & Counl.
7. Do The Presidt here. I waitd on him at Govrs house.
8. Do He gave a private audience to the Embassy(2).
9. Had a Council at ye Govrs who advised a Present.
10. Cloudy wth spitting of rain. waitd on comy wth Representn.
11. Fair. had Letter yesterday from Jackson.
12. Do Writ to Col Randolph abt representan.
13. Do - had a Judgmt agt Bray for L8 17s 1 1/2d. sent Bird to York
wth sundry to the Nelsons.
14. Do had a Lettr from ye Presidt P Danl Carrol.
15. rainy & cool. Dined at the College aftr Chappel.
16. Fair. Saw sevl Dances betwn Nottos & Cheroks.
17. Do The Cherokees sett off. ordd the Notos L5 that night they lost
a Gun: To be enquired for.
18. Do Gave Lane a Lettr to Jackson & set up Notice at church.
19. Do pd H. Gilbt L4 6s. 10 1/2d. Mr Byrd Signd for Jackson.
20. Do Gave Mr. Holt a full accot of J---n's affair.
21. very hot - Mr. Blow pd me for Land L30 8s 4d.
___________________________________________________________________________
(1) For a sketch of Col. Patton, ancestor of the Pattons, Prestons, etc.,
see Dinwiddie Papers, Vol. I, page 8.
(2) From the Gazette it appears that, a day or two before, A cherokee
chief, with eight of his nobles and about thirty attendants, arrived in town
as an embassy from the head chief of Choto. They wanted to establish a
trade with Virginia. Soon after, it was rumored that Nottoways, their
enemies, were also approaching. The President bade the Cherokees to arm
themselves, that they might defend their lives; but on August 15 the Not-
toways marched into town with the white flag. Then the Cherokees, also
hoisting the white flag, and marching by beat of drum, met the Nottoways
in the market-place. From there they repaired to the courthouse, where,
after speeches, the pipe of peace was produced. All differences being
adjusted, they met in the evening at the camp of the Cherokees, and danced
together around a large fire.
Page 145.
22. Do communicd to Mr. King my Lettr to J-----n(1).
23. high Wind at Col. Burwells. Col Burwl & Mr Robinson there.
24. a good rain. Hendriken palntd aftr a weeks pos'sion.
25. fair & cool. Mrs. Blair sick in Church. Visitd Capt Tate.
26. Do new markt my Lott. Two contendg for Bennets.
27. Cloudy at Colo C Burwel's. made a Propl to him & coummicatd.
28. Fair & cool. Changd Gold L3 13s - mett Mr. Wallr at capl.
29. very cold had fire. Council settled Camps & Byrd's accots.
30. Do Finish'd ye Contract wth Taliaferro for ye Govrs house(2). Gave
Mr. Watson a Letter to Mr Hanbury abt Jackson & copies of my Report,
Sentance, & reasons for it.
31. Fair & warmer. Gave him coy of my Letr to J--kson this morng. ye
Bell toll'd for Mr. Wallers son.
September.
1. Fine & fair. Mr. Miller dined here, had Green Peas.
2. Do and Brick Earth for Govrs Setld a N.B. arrear.
3. Warm & dusty. Visited Deloney all sick. Cocke sick.
4. Haisy morn. set off for Hampton, & got there safe.
5. Col Hunter(3) & his Lady came up to see us.
6. Mrs. Blair took a vomit. I had a Purging.
7. Treated with Proby & others -- too dear.
8. Heard Mr. Fife(4) preach, and baptise p.m.
9. Dined at Col. Hunters & heard Harpsicord.
10. Dined at Ceely's(5), a pretty view of Ships.
________________________________________________________________________
(1) Low Jackson was reprieved till the king's wish was known.
(2) The palace was not occupied for some years after this, which explains
the statement (otherwise contradictory of what we know of the size of the
palace) of Governor Dinwiddie, in one of his letters, that in the house then
occupied by him there "were three rooms below besides the garret rooms."
At its first construction, the palance was made 54 feet by 48; and it was
afterwards (probably now) enlarged to 74 feet by 68. (See QUARTERLY, II.,
198; Howe's Historical Collections of Virginia, 328).
(3) Col. Hunter, of "Capp's Point" or "Little England", brother of
William Hunter, Esq., editor of the Va. Gazette and deputy postmaster
general. They were sons of William Hunter, a prominent merchant of Hampton,
whose death is announced in the Gazette for 1739.
(4) Rev. William Fyfe, minister of the church at Hampton.
(5) "Ceeley's", named from Thomas Ceeley, who patented the tract, was
the residence of Col. Wilson Cary in Elizabeth City county.
Page 146.
11. Col. Hunter & his Lady dind at Col. Carys. our coach brot them &
set them home.
12. Visited Mr. Westwd & Mr. Swiny.
13. Very Busy abt Stairs, & visitd Mrs Curle.
14. Got safe home, but found Betty very ill. poor Lewis sick. Dr.
Gilmer sick.
15. Rain - Mr Comissy preachd on Paul 16.3
16. Cloudy rainy & cool. Visitd Dr. Gilmer & Capitl.
17. very Rainy & threateng to mills &c.
18. fair & very wam. consultd Mr Hindman.
19. Do spoke to Mr Hunter to publish a cure. sent Birds Boy wth Col.
Pattons Lettr to ye Presidt.
20. fair but cool. Col. Ludwell not at Genl Muster.
21. Cloudy. Archie, Nancy & Betty sick, I am not well Ned Edwards taken
& carried to Prison.
22. Rain last night, cloudy & cool. Visitd at Mrs Bassets(1).
23. Cloudy & rainy. many cold & much sickness.
24. Sill cloudy. We dined at Mrs Bassets, 8 of us.
25. Clear & cold. outcry at Col. Brays. surprised.
26. Do Went wth Dr Gilmer to see Angola Jenny.
27. Do but warm. had Compy from Mrs Bassets & ye Attorneys.
28. Do Went wth Taliafo, Wheatly & Taylor to Govr Taliafo agrd wth
Wheatly & made out an invoice.
29. Do this day we went into second mourng Mr D----n preachd on
Providence Genl & particular.
30. Do -- ordered Lease for Hendriken. Burgly attemptd.
October.
1. Cloudy -- Delony begg to raise the 2d Floor.
2. Sunny - raisd 2d frt Timbr & made work for Bricklayr. Gave Mr Wyth
Mr Warrington's Bond to sue.
3. very warm. raisd 4 more grt Timbrs a forcible Enty on Burwl.
4. Do - a surprisg man Robt Whitfd from Isle of Wt.
5. Do - raisd some Timbrs over Genl Cort(2) pd. Wilkins.
__________________________________________________________________________
(1) Mrs. Bassett was Elizabeth Churchill, daughter of William Churchill,
Esq., and widow of Col. William Bassett, of Eltham. On September 28, 1752,
Francis Jerdone, of Yorktown, wrote to Mr. James Foulis, per the Prince
William, Capt. William Smith: "Your good friend, Mr. Commissary Dawson,
died about the 20th July (1752). About ten days before that he married the
widow Bassett. It is generally said that it was happy for him that he did
not live to experience the unhappiness it would have created for him."
(2) These references to building concern the erection of the capitol.
Page 147.
6. Do - Hear ye Actrs are dispersed(1) Presidt will nt come. Mr D---n
on Set thy House in ordr for thou must dye.
7. Do Col. Fairfax Y my Cousn dind here, & supped.
8. Do They went to York. The Presidt will come I her.
9. Cooler - sad Damage in Sugrs presidt is come.
10. Some Raing court sworn by ye Presidt Then two of 'em swore him, he
then retired, but gave a Dinner.
11. Fair - Mr Plater(2) dined with the Council.
12. Very cold - Govr Ogle(3) expected soon.
13. moderate - Three of ye Council dind here.
14. Do & fiar. Mr. Kings Cause was tryd won.
15. Do Govr Ogle here. Mr. Lewis recovd of King.
16. Do he returned - Col. Fairfax gave a short Charge.
17. Do Sad Story of Mr Wright ordr a Child to be burd alive.
18. Do Sundry Fines in Court. Enquire.
19. Do - Anor Meetg gose petd for, for Davies.
20. Do wth a little Sprinkling. Mr. Preston preachd.
21. fair & moderate - Colo Randolph(4) come Ten ofn ye Bench.
22. Do but cold. No Answr to ye Exprs fr. Chas Town.
23. Do - Capt Whitwell & dind wth 4 of ye Council.
24. Do - Loney recovd L15 by my changd opinion & would other-been ruind
in seeking Right.
25. Do Mr Steel had hard luck I think.
26. Do - a notable Attachmt confirmd this week agt Mr Livn, Mercht. gone
only to Easts Shoar.
27. Do Mr. Bacon preachd p.m. Col. Bollg gone.
28. a little rain last night. Mrs Benet going out.
29. no rain - Settled acct Qt Rts Benet gone.
30. fair - waitd on Presidt Treatd wth McKenzie & wth Mr Nicholas, the
Purchasr, as he said.
31. Do - A Notable Cause of McCartys tried.
November.
1. Windy & very warm, wth little rain in Eveng.
2. Do but cool. Gave Mr Johnstone Heilands Bond.
____________________________________________________________________________
(1) On Monday, October 21, a company of comedians opened at the new
theatre, near the capitol, with KING RICHARD I, and a tragic dance, composed
by Monsiuer Denoier, called the ROYAL CAPTIVE.
(2) Hon. George Plater, of the Maryland council.
(3) Gov. Ogle, of Maryland.
(4) Col. Peter Randolph, of "Chatsworth", Henrico county.
Page 148.
3. Do Do Mr. Musgr. Dawson(1) preachd Col. Fairfax & Col. Corbin
dined here.
4. cloudy Judy Br. Ingles got a Judgmt for her.
5. Rainy - Mrs Johnson coud not get ye other half.
6. Do - Mr Bacon dind wth ye Council. I spoke to Col. Corbin and Col.
Grymes for him.
7. Do wth clear Eveng. Settled accots & sent to Presidt.
8. fair - Sent Col. Pattons Lettr to ye Presidt.
9. Do & windy - had a Line, &writ to Col. Patton.
10. Do Mr Dawson on Godliness & Honesty.
11. Do rightd ye House & recd Sums of 5: L186 4s 3d.
12. Do at vestry & busy writing by Mr. Holt.
13. fair & calm. still writing - Mr King(2) here - gave Letters to Mr
Holt going this Evening.
14. Cloudy - Signed Lease to Kinrikin 11 yrs.
15. fair - Skelton(3) fired ye last Kiln for Capitol.
16. Do Windw frames all fixd in yer places & the Door Cases.
17. Do & warm. Mr. Wyth spoke to me abt ------.
18. Do my chimney begn. But 2 Bricklayrs at Capitol.
19. Do Dined at Doctr Hays. The D. said to be dead.
20. Cloudy & moist. writ answr to Mr Nelson---
21. Do Met the Govr(4) & attendd him to his House where 3 of us
administd the oaths to him.
22. Do The Govr return'd from York this Eveng.
23. fair & warm. Dined wth ye Govr &c. at Mr. Attornys.
24. Do but cooler. Invited them for to-morrow.
25. Do The Govr his Lady &c. dined & supd wth us.
26. Cloudy & wet. Sent Coach for Col. Lewis &c.
27. fair & warm. Dined at Docr Gilmers wth Govr &c.
28. Do Govr dined at Doctr Hay's wth his Lady.
29. Do They dined wth Mr Dawson(5).
30. Rainy. Supped at Finnies wth Mr Mayor(6).
________________________________________________________________________
(1) Rev. Musgrave Dawson was brother of Rev. William Dawson, president
of the college, and father of Hon. John Dawson, member of Congress.
(2) Walter King, an emnent merchant from Briston, Eng.
(3) James Skelton, appointed general manager of the capitol building.
(4) On November 20th, Governor Robert Dinwiddie arrived at Yorktown
with his wife and family, and the next day came to town, where he was met
by the recorder, aldermen and common council. Cannon saluted; there was
an entertainment, and healths were drunk. In the evening he returned to
York.
(5) Rev. Thomas Dawson, rector of Bruton Church.
(6) John Blair, Jr., was c hosen mayor of Williamsburg on this day.
Alexander Finnie kept the Raleigh Tavern.
Page 149.
December
1. fair then cloudy, Col. Ruffin dined here.
2. fair. The Govr to lodge at home ye Eveng.
3. Cloudy. Dun'd Mr Crosby for J. Blair.
4. Fair & warm morng. cloudy Eveng wth Snow and rain.
5. Drisly all day. read Law all day.
6. Do till Eveng, then warm Sunshine.
7. warm suny day. Bricklayrs busy at Capitol.
8. Fine morn. Cloudy p.m. Mr. comy preachd.
9. Cloudy & wet. Was Security for Mr. Blair in Jas City in Twenty odd
Thousd pounds.
10. Do - Gave a Cha to ye Grd Jury.
11. Do The Counsellrs mett at my house, & agreed on a Complimt to ye
Govr.
12. fine Day. I laid the last top Brick N. End.
13. Do - waited on ye Govr wth Col. Patton.
14. Do - waitd on Do wth Col. Custis.
15. Do - but cool. 25 hogs yestr day from Hanovr.
16. Do - cold day for York Ct killd 25 hogs.
17. Snowd, all white. had 10 hogs more.
18. fair but cold, Mr King left Town.
19. Cloudy. killd 10 hogs from Taskenask.
20. Do wth warm Fog & Thaw. 2 hangd to-day.
21. warm Sun. pd Cole P Lackie L4 5s 7 1/2d.
22. Cloudy & cold. Col. Burwell here.
23. Snowd all day very deep.
24. Sun & thawing. Mr Randolph went up.
25. Do - Cavendish bury'd died 24th.
26. Do We dined at the Governors.
27. Do Col. Ludwell there, & our children. 6 small ones by Invitn.
28. Cloudy & miry. Mr King did not sail from York till ye 26th in the
Eveng. so probably did not get out to Sea til yesterday or to-day.
29. a very warm Sun & grt Thaw. the Govr was divertd wth ye history of
Capt Brookes, all snow gone.
30. hard rain & Thunder, wth smart Lightening, then hail, & after, snow
all day, very deep.
31. Clear Sun but very cold. Mr Prentis & his Family dined at ye
Governors.
Page 150.
EXTRA NOTES.
[Written on pages of the almanac opposite to notes given.]
January 12. Wm Taylor drown'd I hear.
14. Spinet came home.
February 1. Writt to H. Gilbt.
2. & sent it P Blagrave a Packet.
7. I blooded Charles.
8. Mr J. B. Fr. York.
11. No. J.C. Court.
12. Vestry full 13 present.
15. yestr day Mr Eaton recovd.
March 1. Saw them at work on the mill wch was begun a day or two before.
24. Mrs Staunton.
28. lodged at Col. Willis's.
29. took my leave of Matt.
31. a Frost this morng.
April 1. black frost.
2. White Do
3. very hot.
May 10. at N. Kt Court ye 2d day.
16. Ascension.
18. Kiln fired at Capl, wind Westly.
23. Woodward here, some sick.
27. Presidt I hear is returning.
9. Mr Hunter applied to me for my speech at passing sentence agt Jackson
as servl Gent deisred to see it in his Gazette, he said.
June 2. Jamie sick.
3. Col. Ludwell dind here.
4 or 5. Mr Wallace confirm'd his takikng the house for the year, which he
had gone into in April conditionally, to be part of the year if Mrs Blair
consented when she came home. He went in abt the middle of April.
11. O. & Ter. & accession.
12. ascension.
14 or 15. Mr Scrivener buried.
22. Mr Randolph mard.
25. Mrs Randolph gave a fine accot of our Gardiner.
27. repaid - gave Mrs Powers a Note for 1/2 Barl Corn.
28. Ed. Randolph come in. R. Carter passengr.
Page 151.
29. Carted Rum for Holt wth our Chalk from the Ferry in Water.
July 1. Mrs Wethrburn died.
3. now buried in wett.
4. Mills safe. Mr Randolph & his Bride &c. came to Town. Mr. Burwell
came hom. Mr Rose dead.
5. Col. Kennon dead I hear.
8. Mrs Watn & Waller both better.
11. H. Wetherburn married to Mrs Shields.(1)
12. Mr Braxtn 17 & had a Ball.
13. Mr Nicks gave Jamie a Book wth Gamut.
15. Col. Jones pd off his bond.
20. saw a bad Timbr at Capl.
23. Cous Jones died, as I heard the 24th.
26. Mrs Thacker died 23d.
28. Mr Prestn on Hope.
31. at Presidts in Council
August 2. Col. Bray(2) died in the afternoon.
5. Corn recd.
6. A Gent won buried.
9. a Council abt Indians. I paid Wm Goodall L21 6s. in part of a years
Schooling. 2 Childn Entd 19th Jany.
12. Had a Judgmt agt Brays Estt for L8 17s. 1 1/2d.
17. Hendrin came in.
19. Mr Blair at York to get Wine brot.
22. at Blostr for Dr.
26. Treatd for Land.
28. had notice of a Council ye 29th.
29. Capt Whitwell wth ye Council.
30. Col. Ludwell here. Young Gammel died on the day before.
___________________________________________________________________________
(1) Mrs. Shields was quite a character in Williamsburg life. Her
maiden name was Ann Marot, daughter of Jean Marot, a French Huguenot, who
kept ordinary in Williamsburg. She first married James Inglis, son of
Mungo Inglis, first grammar master of the college; then she married James
Shields, who died in 1750, and next Henry Wetherburn, both of whom kept
tavern. At her house there were frequent balls and dances, as the Gazette
shows. Her daughter, Ann Shields, married Robert Armistead, and they were
grandparents of President John Tyler. (See Shields Family, QUARTERLY, Vol.
V., p. 117).
(2) Col. Thomas Bray, of "Little Town", next to "Kingsmill", on James
River. His only daughter, Elizabeth, married Col. Philip Johnson, and had
issue, with others, James Bray Johnson, whose daughter and heir, Eliza,
married Chancellor Samuel Tyler.
Page 152.
31. Gamml buried. heard of Mrs Waller's misfortne from * *
September 1. Mr Waller's young son Benjamin buried this day, my Coach
carried the Bearers, Mr Blair Mr Basset Mr Allen & my son who carried
him to his grave on Napkins.
2. Shields' Outcry.
3. recd Madrd Letter.
4. Betsy sick.
9. abt 1 or 2 in ye morng. Col. Custis's Favourite Boy Jack died in abt
21 hours illness being taken ill a little before day the 18th wth a Pain
in the back of his Neck for wch he was blooded.
12. Mr Dawson married(1).
13. Lewis sick.
15. a parsons wedg Sermn.
16. Molly her Birthday.
17. Raind much. Storm-like.
18. my 2 mills safe.
20. Col. Digges sick.
21. Col. Ludwell sick.
23. Boson here. Bricklayr hurt.
24. Dispatchr.
28. Taliafo recd L50 on my Note ye 1st.
29. Farley from Norfolk has agreed for L10.
30. 2d floor not yet begn to be raised.
October 4. Young dead in Prison.
5. Capt Whitwell was married at York.
6. Sacra.
8. Mrs Wms buried. had a false report of Mr Brandon's death.
15. Gov. Ogle &c. came to Town.
23. Elias died.
28. St Simon & St Jude.
30. My New Tenant came in in Bennets Room, having clean'd the House
ye 29th.
November 1. I got teh Presidts Warrt on ye Treasurr to pay Skelton
towds Capitol L500. had a concert at the College. Col. Fairfax pronouncd
Sentence agt four, 2 for murder & 2 for Felony.
2. Col. Fairfax wth his son & wife set off for home.
5. Davenpts Wife buryd. she died ye nt before(2).
_______________________________________________________________________
(1) Rev. Thomas Dawson married Priscilla Bassett, daughter of Col.
William Bassett, deceased, of Eltham, in New Kent.
(2) Mrs. Margaret Davenport, wife of Joseph Davenport, first town
clerk. Their daughter, Elizabeth, married Anthony Hay, keeper of the
Raleigh
Page 153.
8. Cartd Wine &c. Mr Nicholas's Benefit Night. Col. Ludwell's
Daughtr Lucy Baptised(1).
9 Warm.
14. Planey begun.
18. pd 3s for Planey.
20. Govr on Shoar.
21. pd Planey L5.
26. plantd flowers.
December 6. We hear Col. Custis had a son born last Saturday, being
St. Andrews day, but he was born on ye 19th.
24. pd Peal 30s.
25. Ink frozen. Jno Lester brot Venison from Brunswk after 10 days
absence.
[To be continued(2)].
__________________________________________________________________________
Tavern, and was mother of George Hay, Attorney General, who prosecuted
Aaron Burr. (See QUARTERLY, p. 17).
(1) She married John Paradise, Esq., of London. (See QUARTERLY, Vol.
VI., p. 58).
(2) John Blair kept a supplementary and fuller diary for the same
year in the back of the almanac, which will be published in a second
installment.
(continued in Vol. 8, No. 1, Page 1)